Andrew Sachs is dubious about Jonathan Ross' return

Andrew Sachs has responded angrily to claims from the BBC that Jonathan Ross, who left obscene answerphone messages regarding his granddaughter, is a "responsible broadcaster".

Tim Walker: Edited by Laura Roberts

10:00PM GMT 30 Nov 2008

It seems that Ross has convinced the BBC he has been fully rehabilitated after his suspension – to the bewilderment of the actor and his family.

BBC One controller Jay Hunt, 41, a former director of programmes at Channel Five, has even claimed that Ross could "still make compelling television". But Sachs, 78, tells Mandrake he is sceptical of her assurances that Ross should be trusted with broadcasting duties when he returns from a three-month enforced leave of absence at the end of January.

The Fawlty Towers star, whose granddaughter Georgina Baillie, 23, was the subject of offensive comments made by Ross and Russell Brand during a pre-recorded Radio 2 show, says the corporation will need luck on its side when Ross returns.

He says: "All I can say to the BBC is good luck with their challenge. I don't know whether Jonathan has learnt from this but it would be a tragedy if he has not."